Issues

Interoperability

Interoperability refers to the ability of diverse systems and organizations to work together. Although the term is often used in a technical sense, cultural, political and business factors can lead to data not being shared. Interoperability can be achieved through initial product design, collaboration in product development, standards, and licensing design.

John Palfrey and Urs Gasser of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society released a three-party study to gain a deeper understanding of the role interoperability plays as an enabler of innovation and creativity in international trade.

When two or more devices, systems, or networks are made to work together, the systems are said to be “interoperable.” Interoperability issues often arise when systems offered by different firms are deployed simultaneously, or when old and new versions of a product from the same firm are deployed.

"There should be a concern. The standard-setting process can be used to manipulate the standards to be closer to what one company wants." — Nicholas Economides, Professor of Economics, New York University